ACA welcomes Brendan Drew into a new role as we farewell Kelly Applebee

Having successfully executed a long-term MOU, the ACA finds itself at a pivotal point in a rapidly changing global cricket landscape – an environment that demands continuous adaptation.

As such, it is imperative for the ACA to continually adapt and refine our strategy – and aligned with this, our structure – to best to meet the evolving needs of our members.

The ACA board recently endorsed a new Strategic Plan for a five-year period (2024-2028). We have shared the details of the strategy with our current players during our State Visits throughout the country.

One thing that remains the same is that you, our members, are at the heart of this strategy – something that is reflected in both the plan’s purpose (To be the champion of our members and the game) and vision (Thriving members connected to a healthy game).

We will share more details of the strategy with you as part of various ACA member events throughout the year.

To ensure the strategy can be implemented effectively, efficiently and within budget, Following, a revised organisational design was considered and developed.

The changes will provide us and those we work with – and more importantly our members –greater clarity and alignment around the functions within the ACA. Ultimately it makes it clearer for our members as to where to go and who to contact for support.

As part of this change, Member Services and Cricket Operations were aligned into one department, and I am pleased to confirm that Brendan Drew has been appointed into the new role of GM Member Services & Cricket Operations.

Brendan will now have executive oversight for both Cricket Operations and Member Programs.

On behalf of the ACA board and the entire organisation we extend our congratulations to Brendan on this appointment. Brendan’s extensive experience includes close to ten years at the ACA following his role as a player delegate during his seven-year First Class career. Brendan has recently bolstered his expertise with the completion of an MBA.

Following the updated ACA organisational design and structure, Kelly Applebee has accepted a redundancy and farewelled the ACA last week.

Kel has provided significant leadership and guidance across the organisation through more than five years at the ACA and leaves with our sincere appreciation and thanks.

Having navigated many challenging times as the GM, Member Programs & Relations, aided by the many strong relationships and friendships both inside and outside the ACA – relationships that will no doubt long continue.

On behalf of the ACA’s board of directors, we extend a big thank you to Kel on a wonderful contribution to the ACA and the game of cricket more broadly as both a player and administrator.

We wish Kel, Emma, Charlotte and Ella all the very best for their next chapter and look forward to seeing her at future ACA member functions and maybe even a future Masters Tour if we can convince her to join us!

We will soon be providing more information on a new management role dedicated to Member Services.

Todd Greenberg
ACA CEO